4D3N Salt Trail Crocker Range

The Salt Trail is a route traditionally followed by villagers when taking their produce to the tamu (markets) on the west coast, and returning with salt and other goods. It is still the only access route to the remote villagers in the Park, especially in upper Papar River and Tambunan area.

Description

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS SALT TRAIL ON THE CROCKER RANGE

This 4 Days 3 Nights Salt Trail jungle trekking adventure is suitable for small groups of hardcore trekkers (and nature lover) to explore perhaps the last remaining primary hill dipterocarp forests and experience a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the Dusun community in Borneo.

The trekking part is approximately 34km long, consisting some serious jungle trekking through dense primary jungle, across the highest mountain range in Malaysia and through cooling river valleys, paddy fields, and rustic local villages. Overnight stays will be made at a few traditional villages; although the facilities are basic, trekkers can experience the villagers’ hospitality in authentic settings. Viewing wildlife is not the highlight of this trip.

NOTE: It usually requires 3 nights to complete the whole journey, however, this trekking tour requires a considerably good level of physical fitness due to the varying terrain that you may encounter. Therefore, for novice trekkers it is recommended that 5 days and 4 nights itinerary (overnight village-stays at Terian, Buayan, Kionop and Melungung) is the ideal time frame for this activity as it allows trekkers to enjoy the scenery, culture and natural beauty along the trail. Please contact us to work out a custom quote for you.

Itinerary For Salt Trail Trek

DAY 01: Inobong Village – Terian Village
The starting point is at Inobong Sub-Station, which is about an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. The uphill drive to the sub-station is quite thrilling as the road is unpaved and very steep! Upon arrival, register and meet your assigned jungle guide. The Salt Trail’ trek starts with a steep climb, but after Mount Kebambangan (801m asl), most part of it is generally gentle slopes to Terian Village. The vegetation, although lush, is sparse. It takes about 7 hours of walking to complete this 10km trail. There are several rest stops along the way and there is a suspension bridge that crosses the Terian River before you arrive at the village. Spent the night at the village in a rustic traditional house or community hall and the guide will prepare the meals.

DAY 02: Terian Village – Kionop Village
Leaving Terian Village, it is uphill again before descending into the flatlands on the approach to Buayan Village. Here, the lush greenery vegetation is noticeably different from the sparse jungle atop the mountain ridges. Crossing the Papar River at this stage is still by way of suspension bridge. However, there are no bridges for multiple crossings between Buayan Village and Kionop Village, which can be quite challenging particularly when the river is swollen due to recent rains. The distance from Buayan Village to Kionop Village is about 5km and estimated walking time is 3 hours. The total distance between Terian Village and Kionop Village is about 13km and it takes about 8 hours to complete. Spent the night at the village in a rustic traditional house or community hall and the guide will prepare the meals.

DAY 03: Kionop Village – Melungung Village
The trekking starts of with 2 hours of reasonable flat trail along Ponobukon River. There are about 5 river crossings and although the river is not wide, the current can be strong due to the rain. After a final river crossing, take a rest before ascending the steep ridge for the next 2 hours. Beyond the top of the ridge, the trail is gentle until you reach Melungung Village. The surrounding vegetation here is dark green tropical jungle, with large dipterocarp trees – it seems like walking at night because the jungle canopy is so thick. The total distance from Kionop Village to Melungung Village is about 11km and estimated walking time is 7 hours. Spent the night at the village in a rustic traditional house or community hall and the guide will prepare the meals.

DAY 04: Melungung Village – Tikolod Village
This is a short trail that takes less than 2 hours to complete. After several small river crossings and following the path along the river, you will reach a severely eroded and unsealed road. Continue the journey until you reach a sealed road that is slightly after Tikolod Village and this is where the Salt Trail jungle trek ends. Then, take a 2-hour return transfer to Kota Kinabalu.

IMPORTANT: Temperature at night could go down to 13°C. You are recommended to bring your own sleeping bag, Thermo-Rest or sleeping mat. However, mosquito net will be provided. Porters will be available to carry part of your belongings with your backpack or knapsack. All trekkers are required to fill in a confidential Medical Information Form and Indemnity Form, which will be provided during pre-briefing session prior to commencement of tour.

Explore The Salt Trail On The Crocker Range

The Salt Trail is a route traditionally followed by villagers when taking their produce to the tamu (markets) on the west coast, and returning with salt and other goods. It is still the only access route to the remote villagers in the Park, especially in upper Papar River and Tambunan area.

Major Routes Of The Salt Trail
The are 4 major routes which crosses Crocker Range Park. There are: Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod trail, Tagudon-Kalangaan-Kionop-Tikolod trail, Mile 32 -Timpango Sugud trail Kuyongan-Longkogungan-Mile32 trail. But, tourists can now only walk the Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod trail with guides, and stay each night in village homestays.

The total distance of the Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod Trail is 34 km, and hikers are recommended to spend 3 days and 3 nights for the journey. The starting point is in Inobong sub-station which is about an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu via Donggongon road. It is located on the western tip of Crocker Range Park with an altitude of 1400 ft. asl First visitors have to climb up from the station to Mt. Kebambangan (2385 ft asl). The climbing is a bit hard work, but after arriving on the mountain ridge, most part of the trail to Kg. Terian is generally gentle slope. The highest peak is about 2630 ft. located on the southern part Mt. Kebambangan which is still surrounded with thick forest. There is a suspension bridge which crosses the Terian River before arriving at Kg. Terian. The distance from the Inobong Sub-station to Kg. Terian is about 10 km with an estimated walking time of about 7 hours.

There is no bridge crossing the Papar River from Kg. Buayan to Kg. Kionop, therefore visitors have to cross the river. The best crossing site is the Lower junction of the Papar and the Kionop River from the north to the south side. Crossing the river is a real challenge when the water level is high after rain. The distance from Kg. Buayan to Kg. Kionop is about 5 km and estimated walking time of 3 hours.